Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 18:01:13 +0000
From: Ashlea Allen
Subject: Hill Jack/jake/jakey
Speaking of David Bergdahl's reference to the use of "hill-jack" in
southeastern Ohio , has anyone ever heard the term "jake" /jek/ used to
refer to someone who is poorly dressed? (not necessarily poor as in
monetary poor). The adjective being "jakey"? We use it in my native
southern Ohio, and I've heard of its use in Ironton, OH (southern OH
across the river from Ashland, KY) as well.
Now I'm wondering if maybe "jake/jakey" came from "hill jack" or "jack".
Any thoughts on this?
Along similar lines then, PERHAPS, is its relationship to "hoopy". This
term, "hoopie/hoopy" seems to be jake's equivalent in much of
northeastern OH. From what some natives of that area have told me,
"hoopy" like "jake" is used to describe someone who is poorly dressed,
off in appearance. I believe the term originally was used to refer to
the folk from WV who had moved to the area to work in the
factories/industries.
If this is the case with both jake and hoopy, I think it's interesting
that we have terms which have originated to refer to Appalachian people
and over time, both have changed to refer to the (poor) physical
appearance/attire of a person -- Appalachian or not.
Any thoughts? Can anyone think of words with similar etymologies or
uses?
Ashlea